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- May 3, 2003
I dont even know where to start with mine
the beginning is usually a good place.
start by thinking about everything that happened to you financially over the past year, and then make a list of documents that you're expecting to receive. working for a legitimate employer as an employee usually means they'll send you a w-2. call them and ask to find out. having interest in a savings account usually involves getting a 1099-INT. call your bank to find out. contributing to retirement plans usually involves some additional documentation also, and you can count on getting paperwork regarding any stock transactions or higher education payments.
think you're missing something from a company? call them and ask. the rest of the documents you'll want are usually receipts or your proof that certain things happened, or records of specific dollar amounts and dates. things like auto/mileage records, or inventory tracking for a small business. maybe even expenses if you're self employed, or medical expenses.
when you've got all of that, then sit down at a computer and start using tax prep software. it really is easy! it asks you questions about your financial situation and you answer them honestly, and voila! your taxes are completed. (you may not like the outcome, but that provides you an opportunity to learn about your situation and make adjustments for next year).
if you don't want to use online software, you can try downloading and printing out the forms from the IRS website. (same for state usually). be forewarned, most call centers (especially IRS) had their helpline staff reduced over the past few years and you may experience difficulty getting in touch with a human being to answer your question over the phone. you can always consider VITA as a resource: http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers .
unsure about what you've started on? take your findings to a tax preparer and see if they come up with the same thing. ask them to explain any differences or changes compared to what you did yourself, and then keep both copies so that you'll know how to do what the preparer did for yourself in the future.
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